Microsoft Launches Free Disaster Relief App

Microsoft has recently released a new Disaster Relief app that goes under the name HelpBridge. The application is available for iOS, Android and Windows Phone 8. The application allows you to do two things: ask for help and give help. If you ever find yourself in a situation where you need to call for help, you can send a message out via Facebook, SMS and email to a preassigned list of contacts with your location and a message. As of now, the app doesn’t support Twitter. HelpBridge also allows users to alert family and friends that they’re OK after a disaster strikes.

What if you’re not affected by a disaster, but you want to help someone who is? You have a few options. The application allows you to donate to disaster relief funds via PayPal or SMS. The app will also let you donate supplies and donate your time. Microsoft has included a wide list of organizations for both cash and time donations, including the Red Cross, Catholic Relief Services and ActionAid.

Personally, I’m glad that Microsoft has made such a useful and possibly lifesaving application for all major mobile platforms. In the future, I’d like to see this functionality built into mobile devices, making it easier for all mobile users to get help. If you’d like HelpBridge for your phone, it’s free on all platforms.